Dedication Week
October 18-23

The Roberts Academy at FSC Plans
A Full Slate of Dedication Week Activities

The Roberts Academy at Florida Southern College, the state’s only transitional elementary school for talented students with dyslexia, has a number of events planned for its Dedication Week, Oct. 18-23.

The following Dedication Week activities are free and open to the public:

Tuesday, Oct. 19, 7:00 p.m.: Kinko’s, Inc. founder Paul Orfalea will discuss how he overcame dyslexia to become one of the nation’s leading entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and sought-after speakers. Since retiring from Kinko’s in 2000, Mr. Orfalea has devoted most of his time to the Orfalea Foundations, teaching, and public speaking on learning differences, education, and intergenerational programs. He is the author of three books, including “Copy This! Lessons from a Hyperactive Dyslexic who Turned a Bright Idea into One of America’s Best Companies.” His lecture, free and open to the public, will be held in Anne MacGregor Jenkins Recital Hall (Branscomb 202), adjacent to Branscomb Auditorium.

Wednesday, Oct. 20, 7:00 p.m.: Drs. Bennett and Sally Shaywitz will deliver the Roberts Center for Learning and Literacy Lecture on “Overcoming Dyslexia.” Among the world’s leading researchers into the cause and cure for dyslexia, the Shaywitzes are co-directors of the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity. Following an hors d’oeuvres reception at 6 p.m. in the Honeyman Pavilion, the lecture begins at 7 p.m. in the Anne MacGregor Jenkins Recital Hall (Branscomb 202). The event is free and open to the public.

Friday, Oct. 22, 10:30 a.m.: The official dedication ceremony for The Roberts Academy will occur at the school, 1140 E. McDonald St., Lakeland. On hand will be students from The Roberts Academy; their parents and teachers; College officials and local dignitaries; and Marjorie and Hal Roberts, the Lakeland civic leaders and philanthropists whose personal experience with their grandchildren with dyslexia led to their $3.5 million, transformational gift to Florida Southern to bring such an Academy to the State. The event is free and open to the public.

Saturday, Oct. 23, 9:00 a.m.: The FSC community will join The Roberts Academy students, families, and teachers for “A Walk for Dyslexia.” Starting at The Roberts Academy, the walk will wind through Florida Southern’s beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright-designed campus to raise awareness about dyslexia in support of the students of The Roberts Academy. The event is free and open to the public.

The Roberts Academy is located at 1140 E. McDonald St. in Lakeland. For more information, please contact the school by calling 863.680.3741 or e-mailing robertsacademy@flsouthern.edu.